asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that isolated villages on Dartmoor and Exmoor became short of food last winter; and what steps he has taken to allow tradesmen to lay in extra stocks of essential foods.

Arrangements have been made whereby people in remote areas can buy, during the winter months, all rationed and points rationed foods, except meat and bacon, one four-week period in advance. Suitable adjustments are made to traders permits to provide for this where necessary. Publicity was given to this arrangement last month and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Press notice which gives the full details.